Martin Lee artwork

Martin Lee has once again donated a splendid drawing of Christopher Mann’s Alfa Monza to mark his win in the 2024 ODM Awards. Martin is available for commissions and can be contacted by email at martinlee47@hotmail.co.uk

Christopher was surprised delighted to receive the artwork and records his thanks for this unique record of a successful season.

Christopher Mann Wins the ODM Award 2024

Christopher Mann won the 2024 ODM Award with an unbroken set of wins in every race of the season. Tied for second place with no easy way to separate the two - who won two races each - were Clive Fideon in the Frazer Nash Boulogne II and Max Sowerby in the Talbot Lago T120. Congratulations to all three and to the class winners who featured as follows:

Class 1: 1st Nigel Dowding (Riley Brooklands) 54 points, 2nd James Potter (Riley Brooklands) 37 points, 3rd Andrew Morland (MG PA) 21 points.

Class 2: 1st Clive Fidgeon (Frazer Nash Boulogne II) 60 points, 2nd Edward Bradley (Aston Martin Ulster) 36 points, 3rd Jo Blakeney-Edwards (Frazer Nash Super Sports) 33 points.

Class 3: !st David Saxl (Talbot AV105) 39 points, joint 2nd David Lake (Aston Martin Speed) and David Ozanne (Aston Martin Speed) 12 points.

Class 4: 1st Christopher Mann (Alfa Monza) 78 points, 2nd Max Sowerby (Talbot Lago T120) 60 Points, 3rd Mark Brett (Bellamy Ford V8) 43 points.

ODM Awards - The Next Five Years

Peter McFadyen has produced a new book to mark a further five years of the Owner Driver Mechanic Awards, following his earlier edition featuring the first ten - how time flies! Published in hardback with a dust jacket or available as a pdf copy, it features not only the cars and drivers who have competed in the ODM since its inception in 2009, but also some notable newcomers. If you haven’t seen Peter’s photos of your car in action on the ODM web site you’re certain to find something in this new book.

The book can be ordered direct from Peter on his website www.petermcfadyen.co.uk at a cost of £51.55 plus p+p; a pdf copy may be available in future. Copies will be available for inspection at Silverstone on 20th April 2024 (VSCC Round 1) in the ODM marquee. A quicker delivery can be had from the Blurb bookstore at https://www.blurb.co.uk/search/site_search where there’s a 15% discount available with code MARBS15 from 1st to 4th March for early orders.

Sue Darbyshire Wins the ODM Award 2023

Sue Darbyshire took the ODM trophy home again in 2023 after a sadly truncated season which ended after the Donington meeting. Despite not winning a race this season, Sue was dominant in the 1500cc class and beat Chris Mann into second place, with Clive Fidgeon in third. The awards were presented by John Guyatt at a lunch held at The Fox and Hounds in Whittlebury on November 29th, with an additional ‘Spirit of the ODM Award’ in memory of Lesley Macalpine made to Pina Brett.

The Class Awards were as follows:

Class 1: 1st Nigel Dowding (Riley Brooklands) 26 points, 2nd Andrew Morland (MG PA) 24 points, 3rd Hamish McNinch (MG PA)18 points.

Class 2: 1st Sue Darbyshire (Morgan Super Aero) 57 points, 2nd Clive Fidgeon (Frazer Nash Boulogne II) 36v Points, 3rd Edward Bradley (Aston Martin Ulster) 33 points.

Class 3: 1st David Saxl (Talbot AV105) 27 points, 2nd Alex Pilkington (Alfa Romeo 6C 1750) 16 points, 3rd Richard Lake (Aston Martin Speed) 15 Points.

Class 4: 1st Chris Mann (Alfa Romeo Monza) 45 points, 2nd Mark Brett (Bellamy Ford V8) 24 points, 3rd Max Sowerby (Talbot-Lago T23) 18 points.

A Celebration of Lesley Macalpine’s Life: Bicester Heritage, 22nd March 2023

A large contingent of ODM competitors past and present, partners, friends and family members gathered at Bicester Heritage on Wednesday 22nd March to celebrate the life of Lesley Macalpine, on what would have been her 66th birthday. John Guyatt hosted an ODM picnic together with drinks from the Wriggly Monkey Brewery (serving from the ‘Bar in a Car’) and a range of competition sports cars arrived, creating the recognisable paddock atmosphere so familiar to everyone since 2009. The sun shone as everyone shared happy memories of Lesley; Jax and Maxine gave brief addresses which reflected the warmth of friendship and appreciation for everything she did to make the ODM such a welcoming and successful initiative. Her legacy will continue to inspire the future of this extraordinary racing series, a popular mainstay of the Vintage Sports-Car Club’s annual programme.

Maxine Fack gave the following tribute to Lesley:

My husband John and I first met Lesley and John Guyatt through our mutual love of old cars and Vintage Motor Sports many years ago. We hit it off instantly and became firm friends, spending many evenings together planning the creation of the Owner Driver Mechanic race series, discussing technical challenges with the latest project or just looking forward to next day’s sport whether vintage racing, hill climbing or skiing.

Meeting Lesley was always like throwing open the curtains and letting the sun flood in. Always positive, always encouraging always full of enthusiasm. She had a wonderful gift of scooping people up in a jolly hockey stick manner and making them feel welcomed, embraced and included. At ODM meetings, before they know it they have an apron on, a knife in their hand and 20 boiled eggs to peel, chop and with a small bag of lettuce leaves and a tube of mayonnaise, make into exquisite canapés for 50 people. Whilst thinking.…. er… how the hell did I get here?

That said, Lesley created the most fun wives’ club on the planet. Many of us made friends for life, laughed our socks off and created, nurtured and supported the most amiable group of competitors, members, associates, supporters and well-wishers that you could care to be associated with. Beneath a facade of chaotic savour faire and carefree attitude was a master of precision planning. Leslie’s cup was always full and overflowing, every challenge met with gusto.

The creation of the ODM required buckets full of diplomacy, dedication drive and determination. Once on a mission Lesley was Boudicca in her chariot and heaven forbid any bureaucracy that got in her way - her only God and guidance being Monsieur Le Patron himself.  Along with John Guyatt by her side, Lesley developed and refined the most complicated scoring system ever created. None dared to challenge the results and it has made grown men cry since they have taken over the admin task, no two calculations seeming ever to add up the same way twice.

In so many ways we will miss Lesley enormously. I am sure she is up there now looking down on us whilst organising somebody’s event with a loud throaty laugh and an exclamation of frustration over something mislaid or left behind.

Rest in peace Lesley, and give ‘em hell on that cloud up there!

Sue Darbyshire Wins the ODM Award 2022

Sue Darbyshire has won the2022 ODM Award driving her Morgan Super Aero, having achieved a podium place in each of the five races in the season. Max Sowerby came second in his Talbot-Lago T23 and Adam Moody third in his Riley TT Sprite. Lesley and John could not be present, but sent all our competitors their best wishes and congratulations to the finalists.

The Class Awards were as follows:

Class 1: 1st Nigel Dowding (Riley Brooklands) 61 points, 2nd Barry Foster (MG Montlhery) 42 points, 3rd Andrew Morland (MG PA) 33 points.

Class 2: 1st Sue Darbyshire (Morgan Super Aero) 100 points, 2nd Adam Moody (Riley TT Sprite Replica) 72 points, 3rd Joe Blakeney-Edwards (Frazer Nash Super Sports) 39 points.

Class 3: 1st David Saxl (Talbot AV105) 33 points, 2nd Alex Pilkington (Alfa Romeo 6C 1750) 20 points, 3rd Chris Townsend (Bugatti T37A) 14 points.

Class 4: 1st Max Sowerby (Talbot-Lago T23) 75 points, 2nd Mark Brett (Ballamy Ford V8) 63 points, 3rd Chris Mann (Alfa Romeo RL Targa Florio / Monza) 51 points.

Martin Lee artwork

Martin Lee has generously donated a splendid drawing of Simon Blakeney Edwards’ Nash to mark his win in the 2021 ODM Awards; he also donated a drawing of Tim Kneller’s Riley in 2019. Martin is available for commissions and can be contacted by email at martinlee47@hotmail.co.uk

Simon Blakeney-Edwards wins the ODM Award 2021

Simon Blakeney-Edwards has won the ODM Trophy for the 2021 season making his the first Frazer Nash success in the history of the Owner Driver Mechanic Awards. Max Sowerby came second in his Talbot-Lago T120 and Nigel Dowding came third in his Riley Brooklands.

The Class Awards were as follows:

Class 1: 1st Nigel Dowding (1929 Riley Brooklands) 67 points, 2nd Ian Standing (1929 Riley Brooklands) 60 points, 3rd Andy Baker (1930 Riley Brooklands) 37 points.

Class 2: 1st Simon Blakeney-Edwards (1929 Frazer Nash SS) 79 points, 2nd Clive Fidgeon ( 1932 Frazer Nash Boulogne II) 54 points, 3rd Jo Blakeney-Edwards (1929 Frazer Nash SS) 42 points.

 Class 3: 1st Max Sowerby (1939 Talbot Lago T120) 72 points, 2nd Mark Hayward (1928 Alvis FD 12/75 FWD) 33 points, joint 3rd Vivian Bush ( 1925 Bentley 3 litre) 33 points and Tim Wadsworth ( 1930 Lagonda 2 litre) 23 points.

 Class 4: 1st Mark Brett (1937 Ballamy Ford LMB Spl.) 36 points, 2nd Marcus Black (1939 Talbot Lago T23) 27 points, 3rd Mark Butterworth (1938 Lagonda V12) 24 points.

Tim Kneller wins the ODM Award 2019

Tim Kneller has won the ODM Award again in 2019 in his Riley TT Sprite replica, after securing third place in the Brands Hatch finale. Missing Silverstone, Tim finished 2nd at Oulton Park, 4th at Donington Park and 2nd at Cadwell Park. Jo Blakeney Edwards in her Frazer Nash SS came second and Chris Mann third in his Alfa Monza.

The Class Awards were as follows:

Class 1: 1st Ian Standing (Riley Brooklands) 57 points, 2nd Clive Temple (Riley Brooklands) 49 points, 3rd John Reeve (Riley Brooklands) 32 points.

Class 2: 1st: Tim Kneller (Riley TT Sprite rep) 75 points, 2nd: Jo Blakeney-Edwards (Frazer Nash SS) 67 points, 3rd: Jonathan Fenning (Frazer Nash Emeryson) 51 points.

Class 3: 1st: Nick Rossi (Alfa Romeo 1750 GS) 55 points, 2nd: John Polson (Talbot AV 105) 36 points, 3rd: Alex Pilkington (Alfa Romeo 1750 GS) 20 points.

Class 4: 1st: Christopher Mann (Alfa Romeo Monza) 66 points, 2nd:  Mark Brett (Ballamy Ford LMB) 45 points, 3rd: Richard Pilkington (Talbot Lago T26 SS) 21 points.

Allen Clear was presented with the Golden Oldie Award. An enthusiastic supporter, who, until recently, has raced every season with the ODM – but has now handed his car over to his grandsons most of the time – Allen continues to be a good friend to us all and actively supports us … never failing to provide advice and mechanical assistance in the paddock when our cars misbehave!

ODM Awards 2019 reach a climax at Brands Hatch

As a result of their performances in the Cadwell Race, Clive Temple, Nick Rossi and Christopher Mann all cemented their leads in Classes 1, 3 and 4, while in Class 2, Tim Kneller moved up to challenge Jo Blakeney-Edwards for the Class win and the ODM Trophy.  But in motor-racing, as in life, anything can happen and the eventual outcome is by no means a foregone conclusion ... 

The final round of the 2019 Owner Driver Mechanic Awards will be at Brands Hatch on Saturday, 24th August, and as the flag goes up, the leaders on the scoreboard are:

Class 1: Clive Temple (Riley Brooklands) 49 points, Ian Standing (Riley Brooklands) 35 points, Simon Edwards (Morgan Aero Supersports) 28 points

Class 2: Jo Blakeney-Edwards (Frazer Nash SS) 57 points, Tim Kneller (Riley Sprite TT rep) 57 points, Jonathan Fenning (Frazer Nash Emeryson) 51 points.

Class 3: Nick Rossi (Alfa Romeo 1750 GS) 39 points, John Polson (Talbot AV 105) 24 points, Robert Blakemore (Aston Martin Speed) 18 points.

Class 4: Christopher Mann (Alfa Romeo Monza) 48 points, Mark Brett (Ballamy Ford) 30 points, Richard Pilkington (Talbot Lago T26 SS) 21 points.

We look forward to a closely contested finale! The Awards ceremony will take place in the ODM marquee during the afternoon (the exact time will be notified in the tent when the race programme has been confirmed).

ODM Awards - The First Ten Years

Peter McFadyen has produced a special anniversary book to mark a decade of the Owner Driver Mechanic Awards. Published in 10 x 8” in hardback with a dust jacket, it has 116 pages and over 200 photographs of the cars and drivers who have competed in the ODM since its inception in 2009: if you have raced in the awards series you are almost certain to find that you are featured.

The book can be ordered direct from Peter on his website www.petermcfadyen.co.uk at a cost of £45 plus £3 p+p to UK addresses. Copies will be available for inspection at Silverstone on 13th April 2019 (VSCC Formula Vintage Round 1) in the ODM marquee.

Tim Kneller wins the ODM Award 2018

Tim Kneller has won the 2018 ODM Award competing in his Riley TT Sprite Replica. After taking 3rd in class at Silverstone, Tim managed to take 1st in class at Oulton Park (where he was also 1st overall), Donington, Cadwell, Mallory Park and Snetterton: a convincing performance through the season. Ian Standing came second in his Riley Brooklands, having been ahead of Tim in the points up to Mallory Park, when mechanical problems intervened; 2017 winner Simon Edwards in his Morgan Super Aero finished a creditable third. Tim commented: “I have been fortunate enough to have competed in the ODM since John conceived it ten years ago, initially through the great generosity of John Collins who lent me his wonderful Riley Brooklands and latterly in my Riley TT Sprite. As his "works driver” I helped John to win the trophy in 2014, so after a successful season, it was great to finally win the trophy in my own car. Whilst it’s lovely to win, it’s a great privilege to take part in the best historic racing series bar none, all thanks to the indefatigable John Guyatt.  Fortunately, we have a very sturdy sideboard in our dining room, so I am delighted to have the most interesting trophy in the Club to grace it”.

Tim Wadsworth was presented with the ‘Golden Oldie’ Award, having supported the ODM since it’s inception and having raced for more than 50 years: John Fack with a special citation for his, Jerome and Maxine’s marvellous provision (again since the ODM inception) of the ODM marquee, which provides such welcome shelter and a focus for Set 3 at every event.

The class winners were presented with splendid photographs of their cars in action during 2018 and also with bottles of wine: special thanks to Peter McFadyen and Tom Hardman, as ever, for their support and generosity.

Round-up following Donington Park 24th June 2018

After the third, superb, sunny race meeting of the season – this time at the revamped Donington Park (with not a tornado in sight!) – the ODM Class leaders are:

Class 1:           Ian Standing (Riley Brooklands)                                 57 points

                        Simon Edwards (Morgan Aero Supersports)             45

                        Clive Temple (Riley Brooklands)                                 36

 Class 2:         Tim Kneller (Riley Sprite TT rep)                                  51 points

                        Simon Blakeney-Edwards / Tom Waterfield               26

                        (Frazer Nash SS)

                        Andrew Mitchell (HRG)                                                  24

 Class 3:         David Ozanne (Aston Martin Ulster)                              21 points

                        Tim Wadsworth (Lagonda 2 Litre)                                  20

                        Max Sowerby (Talbot Lago T120)                             )     16

                        Nick Rossi (Alfa Romeo 1750 GS)                             )   

Class 4:           Mark Brett (Ballamy Ford)                                               42 points

                        Marcus Black (Talbot Lago T23)                                      33

                        Richard Pilkington (Talbot Lago T26 SS)                          21

Many congratulations to Tom Waterfield for a convincing win on his debut drive at Donington!

Simon Edwards wins the ODM Award 2017

Simon Edwards has won the ODM Award 2017 competing in his second season driving a Morgan Super Aero. Despite not finishing at Silverstone and Oulton Park, Simon won his class to take maximum points in each of the successive three races. 2015 winner Andrew Mitchell, who was in the lead in the lead before Snetterton, failed in practice so finished in second place with the HRG 1500. Sue Darbyshire and Tim Kneller tied for third place in the Morgan Super Sports and Riley Sprite replica respectively. Simon said: “I’m thrilled at winning the ODM Trophy. The competition was fierce yet the racing was very fair and the driving standards high. You cannot ask for more. This, together with John and Lesley’s superb management, enthusiasm, warmth and hospitality make the ODM series very special indeed - a winning formula. Finally, a huge thank you to George Darbyshire for all his hard work on my car this season and to Sue for the endless supply of cups of tea.” Read more on the VSCC web site.

Castle Combe Autumn Classic, 7th October 2017

Entries are open for the Castle Combe Classic on 1st October to include a 20 minute invitation race for VSCC Set 3 competitors. With seven races the fabulous cars speak for themselves, with a mixture of vintage sports cars to sixties single-seaters in the shape of the popular Formula Juniors. Featuring the GT and Sports cars which are new to the Autumn Classic, while the crowd-pleasing 500cc Formula 3 cars return once more. Add in pre-66 Jaguars and a huge grid of 1950s sports cars for the Inter-marque race and demonstrations of historic Grand Prix cars and you have a full afternoon. Enter on the VSCC web site.

Peter McFadyen Photography

Our heartfelt thanks are due to Peter for his outstanding support of the ODM in 2017, providing most of our web site photographs for the VSCC Formula Vintage Set 3 races. All photograph credits are hyperlinked to their respective web sites, but do visit Peter's site at www.petermcfadyen.co.uk to see an extensive range of photos from VSCC and other motorsport events, including his 'Vintage Year' books which feature a wide range of VSCC race, speed and trial meetings. 

ODM Awards 2017 approach climax at Snetterton

We are pleased to announce that Tom Hardman, purveyor of fine vintage cars, is kindly providing the ODM prizes this season. Tom has commissioned four bespoke leather tool rolls for each of the Class winners, and the presentation will take place at the ODM marquee during the Snetterton Race Meeting (the Ceremony time will be posted on the notice board when the Race Programme is finalised). We hope to see you all there! As we go into the final round of the ODM challenge at Snetterton on September 17th:

In Class 1:  Simon Edwards (Morgan) moves into the lead with 44 points, closely followed by John Reeve (Riley Brooklands) with 39 pts and Duncan Potter (MG Montlhery Midget) 33 pts. In Class 2:  Tim Kneller (Riley Sprite), lying in 2nd position, improves his score to 54 points, putting him within striking distance of Class leader Andrew Mitchell (HRG) on 60 pts. Charles Gillett, the owner and mechanic of the Frazer Nash SS driven by Ed Williams and Robert Moore moves up into 3rd place with 39 pts, while Sue Darbyshire now lies a close 4th with 35 pts. In Class 3:  David Ozanne (Aston Martin) retakes the lead with 33 points ahead of Tim Wadsworth in 2nd with 31 pts and John Polson (Talbot 105) still on 27 pts. In Class 4:  Mark Brett (Ballamy Ford) leads, but due to the high attrition rate any outcome is possible when the 2017 Award winners are revealed at Snetterton.

Andrew Mitchell leads overall, but with Tim Kneller in close contention, all is to play for in the final round of Formula Vintage.

Zandvoort British Race Festival 8 / 9 July 2017

The ODM series travels to Holland for the British Race Festival on 7 / 8 July, sharing the calendar with FISCAR, Jaguar and Healey racing. The entry includes 20mn qualifying and 20mn races on Saturday and Sunday on this historic and challenging circuit. Entries are now open on the VSCC web site. For more information see www.britishracefestival.nl

'The Automobile' Sponsors the ODM Awards 2016

The Automobile has kindly sponsored the ODM Awards in 2016 by giving our four Class Winners an annual subscription to the pre-eminent magazine dedicated specifically to earlier cars. This is undoubtedly the best magazine on the market for vintagents, featuring our sort of cars, and we're extremely grateful for this kind gesture of support from such an important publication. The lucky recipients are Duncan Potter, Mark Groves, Nick Rossi and Mike Preston. Read more about the Automobile.

Duncan Potter wins the ODM Award 2016

Duncan Potter took the 2016 Owner Driver Mechanic title following a consistent performance throughout the season in his 1931 MG Montlhery Midget, a car with a pre-war history referenced in Bill Boddy's 'Brooklands: The Complete Motor Racing History'. Duncan has raced in Set 3 for several seasons in the fiercely competitive under 100cc class, and was placed second in the 2015 competition. Runner-up and leader of the 1101-1500cc Class was Mark Groves in the Frazer Nash Emeryson TT Rep and third place went to Mike Preston, leader for most of the season in his Bugatti Type 35B and winner of the Over 3001cc Class, but absent for the season finale. Duncan said 'It has been a real pleasure racing in the ODM series this year and I am delighted to win motor sport's most recognisable trophy. The season has been great fun from start to finish. The ODM is a special thing, great camaraderie and friendship, sensible but competitive racing and excellent management from our patrons, John and Leslie. I can't wait to get the MG back on the track next year.' Read more on the VSCC web site.
                               

In a new initiative for 2016, the 'Golden Oldie' trophy has been introduced to recognise the elder statesmen of Set 3, and to celebrate lifelong racers who continue to set an outstanding example to a younger generation of competitors. The award was presented to octogenarian Cyril Hancock, a most popular choice, who has raced in Set 3 since its inception in his Fiat New Balilla. Cyril was delighted to be recognised in this way and said 'I'm already looking forward to nominating next year's winner!' Cyril is always supported at race meetings by his wife Helen and no mention would be complete without our thanks for her company and support at the ODM hospitality marquee.  

ODM Awards 2106 conclude at Mallory Park, 24th September

Pembrey was the penultimate meeting of the VSCC race season, so competition for the ODM Awards is hotting up … it will be down to the chequered flag at Mallory on 24th September! 

In the Under 1100cc Class, Duncan Potter has built up an unassailable lead, but 2nd and 3rd places could be anyone’s: Andrew Morland (MG PA) currently has 33 points, Simon Edwards (Morgan Aero) 32 and David Lamb (Riley Brooklands) 31.  In Class 2, Mark Groves (Frazer Nash Emeryson) now lies ahead of Simon Blakeney-Edwards (Frazer Nash SS) and Andrew Mitchell (HRG). Class 3 (1501cc- 3000cc) is wide open with class leader Nick Rossi (1750 Alfa) off the road since breaking a half-shaft at Chateau Impney Hill Climb and Norman Pemberton, usually a strong contender, obliged to miss the last two races on account of his ‘golf handicap’.  In the Over 3 Litre Class, Mike Preston (Bugatti Type 35B) is way out in front with Mark Brett (Ballamy Ford) and Anthony Fenwick-Wilson (Railton) currently lying 2nd and 3rd.

All eyes are on the contest for the ODM Trophy: Duncan Potter has now closed the gap on Mike Preston to just 4 points and Mark Groves remains in contention 9 points behind.  The Awards Ceremony will take place in the ODM marquee at Mallory, so do all come along to discover the outcome!

Castle Combe Autumn Classic, 1st October 2016

Entries are open for the Castle Combe Classic on 1st October to include a 20 minute invitation race for VSCC Set 3 competitors. With eight races, the cars speak for themselves, from vintage sports cars to sixties Formula Juniors. The 'Big Healeys' will be as competitive as ever while the crowd-pleasing 500cc Formula 3 cars return once more. Pre-66 Jaguars, historic saloons, a huge grid of 1950s sports cars for the Inter-Marque race and demonstrations of historic Grand Prix cars complete a wonderful line-up as the whole circuit steps back in time, with numerous club stands, displays and period style aplenty. Enter on the VSCC web site.